Navigation and Seamanship

6.8.1. EPIRB (Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon)

 

Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon (EPIRB) is a small, powerful and self-contained distress radio transmitter fitted in the ships and vessels. If the vessel is suddenly hit by any distress , such as sinking, fire, drifting, engine failure etc., the EPIRB is designed to float free and start emitting the radio signals. This electronic equipment is activated automatically on floatation in water, without the knowledge of the captain or when the crew is unable to send a distress message from the vessel. It possible to activate the EPIRB manually("float-free" activation) .The transmission of an EPIRB signal is considered a distress alert.

The purpose of an EPIRB signal is to help determine the location of survivors during an emergency. The signals of EPIRB will be recognised by the satellite and transmit to Rescue Coordinating Centre (RCC) .This message contains code identifying the vessel as provided by the Administration and retained in a register for this purpose. The EPIRB is one of the main Electronic Equipment required under GMDSS(Global Maritime Distress and Safety System). The equipment, mounting and hydrostatic release mechanism must be reliable and able to operate under the most extreme conditions likely to be met at sea. Manual distress alert initiation requires at least two independent actions. All types of EPIRBs should be equipped with a low duty cycle flashing light of 0.75 Candela, which is automatically activated in the dark once the EPIRB has been activated.